What I'm reading this New Year 2007!

I've started on an incredibly weird, yet amusing book called The Pagan's Nighmare by Ray Blackston. It's definitely different, I'll give him that. Some of the anecdotes are hilarious, too. I'm probably going to finish up Tangerine by Marilynn Griffith by tomorrow night. I'm enjoying that one very much. I was planning to read my new copy of Germ by Robert Liparulo, but my teenager stole the thing and is already halfway through the story in one day. I need to start Hazardous Duty by Cristy Barritt as it's the ACFW book club selection for January 2007. Honestly, it looks very interesting so I'm thinking I'll like it. I have Original Sin by Brandt Dodson on my desk and Reliance by Marylu Tyndall. Those are the next on my list. Poor Brandt has been waiting awhile. I'm glad I finally got to his book. :) The one that follows in the same series looks great, too. BTW, did I mention that I got about six more books in the mail last week, or was that seven? I need to start keeping better track, I think. :)

My review of Reluctant Burglar by Jill Elizabeth Nelson...

Product Description:After her father's murder, Desiree Jacobs stumbles upon an ugly truth---her father was an art thief. Should she turn over the stolen paintings to the feds or surrender the artwork to the bad guys? A death threat warns her not to cooperate with the law. Will she trust God's leading---even if it isn't safe?

My review:
In several ways I'm thoroughly impressed with this novel. Though it's a debut, it started out so well-written that I couldn't tell. That's an accomplishment. The characters seemed real and likeable and the plot was complex. In fact, if I didn't know that the author was a woman, I'd assume a man had written this story at first because it was so graphic and had some very mafia-esque scenes that were not at all feminine. Like the portion that went into his former relationship and betrayal. That was great!!!

I also especially liked the fact that the hero and heroine were both Christians because it made the story all the more interesting. :) There were some tense moments in this story and the romance was very well done. I held my breath more than once. I love it when you aren't sure who the double-crossing mole is and you start to suspect everyone. I also really enjoyed the times when Desi had to break in and swap paintings during her theft job. That was great stuff.

The author also had some good one-liners. For example; She ought to have her brain removed and forensically examined for discombobulated synapses. And one way she described Tony's extreme anger... If steam could escape out his pores, he'd be a toxic cloud. :) Is that great stuff, or what?

On the other end, I found the terrorist's dialogue a bit cheesy-sounding. Maybe it was a disadvantage to this author that I'd read Hell in a Briefcase first because the terrorists in that story were so believable. Or maybe the fact that once Desi stopped thieving and the FBI took over and she became the victim, it didn't work as well for me. I thought the ending was almost too detailed. The humor also seemed misplaced and more feminine. So I went from fear and anxiety at the beginning of the story, to not feeling like I'm really there toward the end. Like I was in a sit-com show. Very strange. I think the dialogue is what killed it. Up until that point I was there. Overall, I'd say I really enjoyed the story and would probably enjoy the next one as well. There was just that weakness toward the end. I think the initial intrigue and the romance were the highlights of this story. I do adore novels with at least one delectable kiss!

Reluctant Burglar was published by Multnomah and released in August 2006.

My review of Hell in a Briefcase by Phil Little with Brad Whittington

Product Description:

Matt Cooper is a true international man of mystery. A private security executive, his adrenaline-junkie days consist of last-minute first-class overseas flights, Hollywood parties with a live-in actress girlfriend, and direct calls from top CIA brass. But the jet-set lifestyle hardly matters once Matt meets Mr. Roberts, an old broken-down millionaire, an uncommon Christian who coaxes Cooper into traveling with him to Israel. Through the strange man's incredible connections, Matt goes behind the curtain of Middle East terrorism, witnessing firsthand the untold ravages of holy war.

My Review:

When I first received this book in the mail and read the title I thought, "What kind of story is this?" Honestly, the title didn't appeal to me, but the front cover was interesting and so was the description on the back. So I started to read. The first chapter had a lot of narration, which usually makes a book boring, but it seemed necessary to the setting and to get you into the mind frame of the story itself. It must've been effective because I found myself wanting to plow through this book from beginning to end. That's a good sign for me because #1, I normally don't read thrillers, and #2, I read SO many books that for it to grab me by the throat it has to be compelling. Hell in a Briefcase was compelling indeed.

Have you seen The Peacemaker (1997) starring George Clooney and Nicole Kidman? This book reminds me of that kind of action, especially with the pulse-racing countdown to find the nukes before they detonated. Continual intrigue, cliff-hanger plot points, a mysterious "mole" (as they called the insider working with the terrorists), and adventure up the wazoo made this story worthwhile reading for me. What a great ride! One of the best points, IMHO, was the fact that I didn't figure out who the proverbial bad guy/girl was until the end when the person was revealed. That was so cool! Talk about well-done red herrings. This is a perfect example of that technique.

Through much of the story I felt like I worked for Homeland Security forces alongside Matt Cooper as an insider, and as a result I know some of the secrets for fighting terrorism with counter-terrorism techniques. I love it when a book makes me feel smarter about a subject when I'm done reading it. Plus, there were excellent characterizations all around. Nikki, the daughter, was VERY well done as was Stevie, the actress. I found the spiritual arc to be very effective and frankly, if there had been no arc, it would've taken away from the story, IMHO.

In this story not everyone "finds Jesus" because that isn't the real world, but the defenses people erected against Christians were very realistically portrayed. One particular person's influence (by the change in her behavior), was dramatic enough to capture the attention of the unsaved long enough to have them wonder if what she had was truly real. That's a great illustration of living out your faith, but the character did it in baby steps, like new Christians do. Very cool! I can't wait for the next book in this series because there are some very well-done loose ends that could lead into another book (like a key bad guy being "at large"), yet I still feel satisfied at the end of this one.

Hell in a Briefcase was published by Broadman & Holman and released in May 2006.

One more thing...

For each person who comments on my Hell in a Briefcase post who is NOT a FIRST or CFBA member, I will enter your name into a hat and within the next week or so I'll pick a name. Then I'll send the winner's name to the publicist and you'll win a free copy of this fabulous book. So please leave a comment and include your email address so I can reach you to get your snail mail address. Go ahead and enter. What have you got to lose?

An early FIRST post--soon to be followed by a review. This book is awesome!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! It is January 1st, time for the FIRST Day Blog Tour! (Join our alliance! Click the button!) The FIRST day of every month we will feature an author and their latest book's FIRST chapter!

This month's feature author is:

Phil Little with Brad Whittington

and their book:

HELL IN A BRIEFCASE

(A Matt Cooper Novel)

ELEVEN BRIEFCASES AND ONE UNLIKELY HERO...CAN MATT COOPER FIND ELEVEN NUCLEAR DEVICES AND HIS FAITH BEFORE DISASTER STRIKES?

With violence in the Middle East escalating daily, Americans are glued to their televisions wondering what will happen next. Meanwhile, Matt Cooper, jet-setting star of Phil Little's debut novel Hell in a Briefcase is doing something about it. A private security executive, his adrenaline-junkie days consist of last-minute first-class overseas flights, Hollywood parties with his actress girlfriend, and direct calls from top CIA brass.
A chance meeting with Mr. Roberts, “an old broken-down millionaire” and uncommon Christian, sends Cooper on a trip to Israel that will change his life. Matt goes behind the curtain of Middle East terrorism, witnessing firsthand the untold ravages of holy war. The deeper he goes, the closer he gets to a plot involving eleven stolen briefcase nukes and a plan infinitely more sinister than 9/11.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Phil Little, president of West Coast Detectives and a recognized expert in counter-terrorism, provides bodyguards to the stars and runs a detective agency that has served ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, FOX, Paramount, MGM, and hundreds of others (www.westcoastdetectives.us). He draws on this experience in crafting the tightly wound plot of this international thriller. In addition to his duties as a security expert, Phil has also written Hostile Intent, Protecting Yourself from Terrorism and will soon be the subject of a television pilot. In the meantime, you can read more about Matt's adventures in his blog, http://detectivemattcooper.blogspot.com.

In addition, Phil is available for comment on all aspects of international terrorism, both at home and abroad, and he makes for an interesting and colorful guest. His expertise in the area of international issues combined with his personable on-camera style would make for a great interview on this hot topic. From Lebanese terror camps in the 1970’s to American airports in the months before 9/11, Phil Little has witnessed the terror threat up close and can share eye-opening stories and information that all Americans should know.

THE FIRST CHAPTER:


Marjeyoun, Lebanon.

Thursday, 21 November 2002. 01:30.

A full moon. A glow seemed to rise from the sand, allowing them to drive with their headlights off. The five Jeeps kept to 40 kph on the dark road that wound southward between hills and wadis. In the third Jeep, Major Skaff allowed himself the brief luxury of picking out Pegasus in the sharp winter sky before he compulsively scanned the rocky terrain for signs of Hezbollah fedayeen. He was leading this patrol to check out rumors of increased activity near Shaaba Farms, the disputed area where three Israeli soldiers had been kidnapped two years before.

The ridge road ran from the town of Marjeyoun down to Qlaia’a under the ominous gaze of Shqif Arnoun-the castle called “Beaufort” by the Crusaders-to the west. Christians and Muslims had fought for this ground for centuries, trading possession of the castle as their fortunes rose and fell. In the 1970’s the Palestinian Liberation Organization had used the strategic placement of the castle to shell civilian settlements in northern Israel.

That was when Skaff, then a young recruit of the Southern Lebanese Army, had been a driver in a similar convoy, shortly before the civil war broke out between Christians and Muslims in 1975. Traversing this very ridge on a mission, he had come under fire from the castle. His evasive driving had saved the convoy and drawn the attention of General Lahd.

The intervening thirty years had been a generation of unremitting war. Israel, tiring of mounting civilian casualties and the Lebanese government’s refusal to expel the terrorists, invaded southern Lebanon in 1982 and captured the castle. Eighteen years of occupation followed, during which Skaff had risen through the SLA ranks while working openly with the Israelis to keep the various Muslim factions at bay. When he had started, Hezbollah did not exist. Now the radical Muslim army controlled the south and dealt severely with the Christian resistance.

As the occupation had grown increasingly costly and casualties mounted, the pressure increased for Israel to withdraw. When the SLA collapsed in 2000, Israel destroyed what was left of the castle walls and pulled back behind the Blue Line specified by the UN. The SLA scattered. Thousands fled to Israel or went into hiding. Those who didn’t were imprisoned and tried as enemy collaborators. As Hezbollah gained control of the area, the anticipated slaughter of Christians didn’t materialize. But any SLA militiamen emboldened to return were also imprisoned.

As he scanned the distant ruins of the castle in the moonlight, Major Skaff reflected on change and constancy. Where PLO guns had once rained death on Israel and Lebanese Christians, now tourists snapped pictures and rushed home to post them on the Internet. And the same General Antoine Lahd who had brought him up in the ranks and fought beside him for decades had fled to Paris. Only a week ago he had opened a fancy restaurant in Tel Aviv called Byblos. It had a nice ocean view.

True, Lahd had a death sentence hanging over him for treason and war crimes, but so did Skaff. And so did many of the two thousand SLA in Lebanese prisons.

But some things had not changed. Southern Lebanon was just as dangerous for the men in these Jeeps as it had been when Skaff was driving instead of commanding.

To finish chapter 1 go to the FIRST blog site mentioned above...

You've met Katie. Now meet my nieces Rachel and Alex. These pics were taken on Christmas morning 2006...

Here is a picture of little Katie on Rachel's lap. My sister and her husband visited my brother for the holidays in D.C. I'm so jealous. :) I'm like the Grinch in the picture below.

This is a picture of my brother Mike and his wife Yvette. They will probably kill me if they find out I posted this on the net. LOL! They've been married over 16 years now. :)


Here is a picture of my niece Rachel. She is a miracle baby because she was born at 25 weeks gestation. Talk about premature! Anyway, she doesn't seem to have suffered any negative consequences and is adorable and healthy as you can clearly see. Look at all that hair! And it's red!

These are my nieces, both sisters. The tallest is Alex and she's 11 or 12 (I forgot which month she was born. I know, it's terrible.) I swear she's taller than I am. She definitely got her mother's height. Of course, my brother is tall, too. Rachel is the only petite one in the bunch!

What I'm reading this last week of December 2006

I went home an hour early from work today 'cause I feel like poo. That said, I'm going to get a bit of reading done between cat naps and bedtime. I'm halfway through Reluctant Burglar by Jill Elizabeth Nelson and Tangerine by Marilynn Griffith. I just started Hell in a Briefcase by Phil Little and Brad Whittington today because it's due for one of my blog alliances by Jan 1st. Next rush read is Germ by Robert Liparulo. I got a replacement copy in the mail today (remember the first copy that my dog ate? Well, the publisher sent me another copy, God bless 'em.) I hope to tackle that one very soon as well. I never did finish Letters from the Enemy (a Heartsong) by Susan May Warren. I just lost interest. I think part of that had to do with the romance not working for me. Her beau is fighting in Europe in WWI and the guy she's attracted to lives in her town and has an accent like the men her beau is fighting. Plus, it's taking an awfully long time for them to hook up. I've read halfway through and still nothing is happening of significance. I did enjoy the bull riding scene, though. That's where I left off. I may get back to it, but not right now. That's my update.

My review of Like Sheep Gone Astray by Leslie Sherrod...

Book Description:

Anthony Murdock has a lot on his mind. He is a minister in training at Second Baptist Church of Shepherd Hills and a top-level account executive at Shaw Enterprises. But as a Christian man, Anthony finds himself caught up in deceit when he makes a decision despite a gnawing feeling inside that warns him against it to compromise his morals for a lot of fast cash. His wife Terri, a snotty, successful interior designer, is becoming increasingly nervous that she might one day be forced to live the life of a cash-strapped preachers wife. Regretful of his get-rich-quick decision, and about to be caught, Anthony decides to make things right, only to find himself compromising again. Disgusted with himself, he knows he must do more than confess his greed; he must conquer it. Anthony, like Samson of the Bible, now risks going down with his enemies to do the right thing, preserve his marriage, and regain his reputation.

My Review:

Wow, this book is a hard one to review. First of all I thought the story dragged for awhile, and was a bit too long. Then BOOM, it came to a crash ending--and at a hyper-speed pace. Twists and turns made for an interesting and not-at-all predictable story, yet some of the alliances between characters didn't make sense to me. Sometimes their motives seemed a bit over-the-top, IMHO.

While Anthony was a lovable guy, I couldn't stand his wife Terri. She was a self-centered-money-obsessed-image-focused woman and I didn't think her character arc worked at the end. Her shift was too sudden. (Can you tell I didn't like her?) I would have preferred if she had started to regret her thoughts and actions toward her husband before she was duped by the bad guys. That would've improved the story a lot, IMHO. Plus, I found it unrealistic that they could be married and spend so little time together and then not wonder what the other person was up to when they didn't come home or were detained. If the author was trying to show a marriage with no substance, she did a great job. There were quite a few times where the author head-hopped, which I found distracting, and she had one-too-many points of view which confused me further when I didn't know whose head I was in at the opening of a scene.

On the positive end, there was some great dialogue occurring between characters and the author created an intricate plot. There were clues and details up the wazoo, so I give the author credit for coming up with an amazingly complex and well-though-out storyline. I also loved the hero and wondered how he'd get out of the major pickle he'd gotten himself into. And the element of surprise was fabulous. I won't tell you and make it a spoiler, but let me just say you'll NEVER guess who was behind the evil scheme. For the most part the story did keep me reading, however, it did take me several months to finish this story. It just didn't pull me like I thought it would from reading the cover. I think for a debut novel it was a good effort by Leslie. It just wasn't the story for me. So for that reason I'm only posting this review on my blog for those of you who think my opinion is worth two cents. I respect the author too much to post this review on other sites because it's only one opinion. :)

Like Sheep Gone Astray was published by Warner Books/Walkworthy Press in July 2006.

Check out my slideshow of Christmas 2006

Click and watch me embarrass myself!

Made it to Friday! Hallelujah!

I can't believe I finally made it to the weekend. What a stressful week! Now I plan to do stuff that I want to do. I've had enough of the goverment to last me until New Year's Day. Unfortunately, I'm being thrifty with my time off so I'll be back to work on Tuesday. I need to save my leave time for when I go to my first in-person ACFW board meeting. I still can't believe I was elected. And the coolest thing of all is I love who was elected Pres. Robin and I have read most of each other's work and we both love the organization. We have a great team for the next two years. I can't wait to see what we'll do to improve things. Robin has already proposed some fantastic ideas for the next conference. YES! Anyway, my duties officially begin January 1, 2007. Exactly one week later I hit the big 40. I still can't believe it. Where has the time gone?

It's snowing. I can't believe it!!! And sometimes UPS drivers are so stupid!

Granted, the snow is not sticking to the ground, but there are real live flakes coming down! I came home in a decent mood and considered lighting a fire in the fireplace (we've only had two since October) and found a chewed up package outside. It was Robert Luperilo's GERM! I SO wanted to read that but my dogs destroyed the book! And it's coming up soon on one of my blog alliance groups. I was so ticked I called UPS and told them just what I thought of their idiot drivers. I live out in the boonies, for Pete's sake. NO ONE is gonna steal my stuff!

After the first time two weeks ago that one of our dogs (I strongly suspect the newest addition) trashed the package, we called Nintendo and they kindly sent another to us even though it was not there fault. Then yesterday the dog chewed up the replacement package, but we salvaged what we could. I was annoyed then, but I am fuming today. Even my cheeks are hot! I filed a formal complaint with "What can brown do for you" AKA UPS and told them just what I thought of their drivers and their competence. I mean, how hard is it to leave a package either on the porch, or even outside the gate (if the dogs are out)? I mean, duh!

Anyway, I'm still mad about it and it takes a LOT to tick me off. SO word to the wise, don't send me ANYTHING via UPS because they are stupid and stick the packages INSIDE my gate where the dogs are running loose. Grrrr.... That was supposed to make me feel better. Um, maybe nothing will help but a replacement book. But it's SO not the publisher's fault either. I told UPS I think it stinks that sometimes they are the only shipping company a place uses (like is often the case with Amazon) and I WISH I had a choice so I could choose another company to do business with. Sheesh.

Okay, I'm done ranting now.

What I'm reading this week before Christmas 2006...

I'm delving into Tangerine by Marily Griffith. I love it. It's so different (the premise and everything) and the tension is delectible. Still reading Like Sheep Gone Astray by Leslie Sherrod but I'm closing in on the finish line. I'm over halfway there. I'm also reading Reluctant Burglar by Jill Elizabeth Nelson. This one is pretty suspenseful. I'm enjoying it. Next I think I'll add The Reliance by Marylu Tyndall to my list.

Pictures taken today of my "sweet" family...

Can you tell who has the most "interesting" personality of my crew? Hilarious, aren't we? Since my website server is down (I have no clue why) I've been dying to post these. Sorry if it's more than you can handle. LOL! When doteasy is back up again I'll post them there. :)

My review of Death, Deceit and Some Smooth Jazz by Claudia Mair Burney...

Product Description:
Amanda Bell Brown is a woman on the edge. Between ignoring an insistent biological clock and nursing a broken heart, she's met her quota of problems. But life takes a turn for the better when former boyfriend, Lieutenant Jazz Brown shows up unannounced at her door. Jazz wants to reconnect and make their relationship work. There's just one tiny, potential problem; he's accused of murdering his ex-wife.

My Review:
I thought there was no way the ragamuffin diva, Claudia Mair Burney, could top her first story, Murder, Mayhem, and a Fine Man. But she did it with Death, Deceit, and Some Smooth Jazz. Totally amazing. The storyline was complex and well-thought-out. She had me really going there. The sugar glider just took the cake. I loved every scene and chapter. The usual tension between hero and heroine was present, but this time it culminated.

The author is a master at the "think of the worst thing that could happen, and make it happen" concept. Man, she had my head turning so often I got whiplash! I have to say, though, that more than once I wanted to slap Bell for messing with Jazz's head. Then again, I totally understood her "issues" that prevented her from accepting love from anyone, and her doubting something that seemed too good to be true. I was with Bell all the way and felt her confusion as well.

Being a social worker and having done counseling with many hurting people for years, I have to say that the author had the criminal psychology portion of the story perfected. The insight into Kate's messed-up past was flawless. Either the author did a lot of research, or she is really gifted with wisdom and insight into human character and dysfunction. Every scene was highly believable and amazing. Tension building all the way, but with interjected humor so hilarious that I laughed out loud more than once! Great way to keep the story moving along. Also, the sensual humor totally captivated me. Not to overuse the term, but that was also hilarious, and very honest, IMHO.

The biggest thrill in this story came when I figured out who killed Kate, and I WAS SO RIGHT! The author left just enough clues to point in the direction of the killer, but did so very slowly, and with absolute perfection. Also, the niggling perception that Jazz might have done it was tremendously applied. Wowsa! So does that make me smart, or the author a genuis at making me feel smart. :) You figure that one out.

Death, Deceit, and Some Smooth Jazz is masterful writing and highly entertaining. This probably ranks as my favorite sistah lit title thusfar. If you read it, I'm sure you'll agree that this is some serious entertainment with a powerful message. The takeaway value of this story is what made me love it so much. Plus, the mystery was compelling and complex. Man, the details involved in the plot were plentiful and so well-done it had me reeling. But I loved every minute of it. Oh, and the forensics were perfect. Excellent crime writing. Bravo! Get this one.

Death, Deceit, and Some Smooth Jazz was published by NavPress and slated to be released in January 2007, however, several sites have a December release date for this novel, so I dunno...

Things are starting to look up...I'm back to reading!

No, my difficult social work cases have not necessarily improved, though some solutions are starting to come to the forefront. YES! (Didn't anyone tell these folks to NOT have problems around the holidays? Sheesh. LOL!) The good news is I have had a chance (finally) to catch up on my e-mail. Better yet, I'm reading again! Yipee! It's one of my favorite things to do. Oh, and no new rejections. That's a plus. Of course, that could mean that my stuff is lost in someone's stack or hasn't even been looked at yet... Aw, shucks. Can't dwell on that or my mood will start to dip again. However, the Lord knows what I can handle, and maybe I'm too busy now so He's sparing me. Did I mention two of my friends from church were just diagnosed with inoperable cancer? It just came on suddenly. One of them is SO young and has twelve-year-old twins.

Anyhoo...back to what I'm reading. I am still checking out Like Sheep Gone Astray by Leslie Sherrod. It's getting really good. I'm starting to put a dent in in the sucker again. Actually, let me clarify. It was always interesting. I just had a big interruption there. I'm also LOVING Death, Deceipt, and some Smooth Jazz by Claudia Mair Burney. Man, that puppy really sizzles. And the humor is AMAZING! Girlfriend has some major talent in the humor department. A must-read, IMHO. Finally, I'm reading The Reluctant Burglar by Jill Elizabeth Nelson. It's also good. I'm just in a sistah-lit kind of mood. That said, I'm hooking up with Tangerine by sistah Marilynn Griffith next. For me to be concurrently reading only three books at once is...shocking! That said, I must crack open a fourth to feel normal again! :)

Bah Humbug...

You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch... Remember that song? I am SO not in the mood for Christmas this year. I've never been overly into the holiday anyway, but sheesh, I have no desire to sing carols, listen to Christmas songs, or anything this year. Is something wrong with me? Maybe I shouldn't ask that question. Hehehehe. On second thought, strike that last question. Love y'all.

Going with the flow...

Man, it's fortunate (for my family's sake) that I don't get all bent out of shape when things don't go as planned. Like today for example. The van got a flat after church. My plans for the day took a major nosedive. No reading got done because my books were at home. No editing occurred for the same reason. So what did I do? I decided to enjoy the THREE LONG HOURS we had to wait for the tire place to fit us in. I won't even tell you what the bill came to, but it was almost as much as my new computer tower. Grrr... Anyway, I took my boys and one of their friends to KFC (my husband came with) and then we went to the library while my husband waited for the van. He didn't want to walk two miles to the library, and I can't blame him. My butt needed some serious exercise, so I hauled it the two mile trekk. I had heels on so it was no picnic for me either, but thankfully they were only one inch high. I hate those spike things and can't figure out how anyone can walk in them. My calf muscles would kill me! But I digress. When we finally got home at 5 o'clock, my son and I made cookies (as promised) for the church cookie exchange tomorrow night. He's been wanting to make cookies for awhile so we did it together. I figure since he's nearly 14, there may not be many more opportunities to bake with him when it'll be his idea. So here I am at my computer. I think I'll do some editing now and then get back to my reading. I started The Reluctant Burglar by Jill Elizabeth Nelson last night and it's pretty good! Talk atcha later.

My review of The Freedom of the Soul by Tracey Bateman...

Book Description:

The captivating chronicle of a young woman's struggle to save her homestead, a young man's determination to expose a pretender, and the yellowed pages of a diary that links their lives together will keep readers spellbound from the first page to the last. Abandoned and abused, Shea Penbrook finds her ancestor Jason Penbrook's diary and unearths a legacy. Jonas Riley is sent to Oregon to investigate Shea's claim to his rightful inheritance-the Penbrook estate. Can love bloom in the midst of murder, deceit, and mystery, or will past histories and present betrayals wreck any chance of romance?

My Review:

The Freedom of the Soul is the stunning sequel to The Color of the Soul, and also the second book in the Penbrook Diaries series. The story was so compelling, and the times so excruciatingly well-portrayed, that I couldn't stop reading. Being a black person in the South--and Georgia in particular--in the 1940s was a terrifying experience. The Klan thrived and the warped sense of justice lived out by the legal systems in the south bred people who thought nothing of lynching others for having "mixed" relationships. That same system segregated everything from health care to education.

This story moved me emotionally on several occasions. The romance was intense and the sense of adventure fantastic. Bateman ties together many loose ends in this novel, and she weaves new threads that are intriguing and well-thought-out.

The Freedom of the Soul is similar to a thriller in the sense that you want to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next. Just when you think the beloved characters are safe, the Klan shows up again. My nerves were taut as I waited for a horrible fate for the people I'd grown to care so much about. Delight filled my heart as the author found ways to extract the characters from the clutches of a sure death more than once. The faith element was also flawlessly incorporated into the storyline.

Bateman has an uncanny ability to bring history to life. I adore her historical fiction and am hopelessly addicted. I highly recommend this page-turning novel and await the next book in the series with anticipation.

The Freedom of the Soul is published by Barbour Publishing and will be released in December 2006.

If babies could speak...and Santa...

Imagine cartoon bubbles below to show my niece's internal dialogue...

Um, Mom, Dad...I'm confused. Who is this man? I'm not sure I like sitting here. Uh, his beard is kinda soft. But I thought you told me not to get friendly with strangers? The fake beard and weird Santa costume qualifies him, right?


That's more like it. Mom, I thought you'd never get me off the man's lap. His beard was starting to annoy me and I'm not sure I like the way he talked down to me. Thanks for the rescue!

Hehehe. I never did Santa with my kids, but thought this was too hilarious to not share. What a precious look on her face, eh?

What I'm reading this first week of December...

My latest tally is 56 books. GAH! I'm getting buried again. I can't read this fast. For those of you who sent me stuff...if you didn't ask first, you go to the end of the pile. If your book is coming out soon, then I try to prioritize those so they are done the month the book is released or when the book is featured on a blog alliance. That said, this is what I'm reading...
Like Sheep Gone Astray by Leslie Sherrod. Yep, started that one again. :) Finally.
The Freedom of the Soul by Tracey Bateman. Fantastic story!!!
Death, Deceit, and Some Smooth Jazz by Claudia Mair Burney. I love her style! My boss saw the cover and read the title and said, "What in the world are you reading now!" Hehehehe. Seriously, after meeting Claudia in person and hearing her speak, I can literally "hear" her voice in her book and I love it!
Coming up next...
Reluctant Burglar by Jill Elizabeth Nelson.
Tangerine by Marilyn Griffith
The Reliance by Marylu Tyndall
If the Shoe Fits by Marilyn Griffith
Hazardous Duty by Christy Barritt
Hell in a Briefcase by Little with Whittington
A Pagan's Nightmare by Ray Blackston
Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy
Revealed by Tamera Alexander
Lanterns and Lace by Diann Mills


Books I REALLY want to read but must wait due to other pressing releases are...
Letter Perfect by Cathy Marie Hake
Waking Lazarus by T. L. Hines
Lucky by Staci Stallings
Original Sin and Seventy Times Seven by Brandt Dodson
That Wilder Boy by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Widows and Orphans by Susan Meissner
and last but not least...
He Who Lifts the Skies by Kacy Gramckow Barrett

Up on CFBA this week...Never Cease by Sue Dent

Here are some handy links...
Never Cease Amazon link

Sue Dent's website

Here is a pic of the bookcover... To the right is a picture of the author...


As far as my opinion? I don't have one. I haven't read this book and don't own it, either. Check it out for yourself and let me know what you think! Post a comment on this blog and maybe I'll get the book!

About dogs and dying...

This morning my husband called me at work and his voice was thick and emotional when he spoke. His favorite pet (pictured above) died and he found him that way this morning. I had no idea he would die the night before. When I drove my son to the bus stop this morning I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the moon glowing on the western horizon. It looked like a large yellowish ball. I wanted so badly to get a picture, but within minutes it was gone. I never had a chance to take the picture and capture a bit of God's amazing creation. I was thinking as I drove home that I could see why the ancients worshipped things like the sun and creation. It's pretty awesome when you consider all that God has made.

Anyway, that was before I got the call. Of course I cried as I listened to him talk about what happened. Our dog Cody had gotten out Friday night when I came home with dinner. He bolted past me and ran off and wouldn't return when I called him. The next morning he returned with glazed eyes and he was a bit dazed looking, like he'd suffered some kind of emotional trauma. The poor thing was always so laid back (and he's one huge animal so no one messed with him.) Anyway, we've had tons of bands of coyotes roaming around lately (because of homes being built the coyotes are losing their habitat) so we thought it might have been an attack. However, he is also black as night and a vehicle may not have seen him and hit him. We think he died from internal injuries. So sad. I would've said goodbye Sunday afternoon if I'd known he was going to die that night. I feel so guilty, though I know it wasn't my fault that he took off and didn't come back when I called him.

Then on the drive home tonight the moon was back all white and large and full. It hovered between cotton candy clouds. I'm not kidding. They look like cotton candy in the sky, pink and wispy. Anyway, I wanted to take a picture and capture that as well, but like that morning, it was gone before I had a chance. Just like this life. We're just dust in the wind, vanishing like a mist. Here today and gone tomorrow. With that thought in mind, I wonder why I don't spend more time getting the most out of life, sharing Jesus with everyone I come in contact with before my life ends. That's a true mystery to me. We get so caught up in doing stuff that we miss the sunrise and sunsets. The next time you see a breathtaking sunset, take a minute to stop and just enjoy it. Peace!

My review of @ Home for the Holidays by Meredith Efken...

From the Publisher:

Sitting by the fireside, humming carols and knitting mittens...not! For these stay-at-home moms, the weeks before Christmas are anything but mellow. How can you balance housework, home crises and the husband without losing your mind? Plug in your laptop! Meet Dulcie, Zelia, Jocelyn, Rosalyn, Veronica and the rest of the women of SAHM I Am. An e-mail loop of stay-at-home moms, they've seen each other through months of domestic drama: babies who won't come, bills that won't leave, kids who won't listen and spouses who won't talk. Now, as the yuletide approaches, the SAHMs are on hand once again, bearing gifts of sisterhood, sanity and the real Christmas spirit.

My review:

This is my all-time favorite Christmas novel EVER. I usually think holiday stories are sappy and never watch them on television, let alone read them. I'm not sure why. I used to like The Grinch That Stole Christmas. Hmmm... Anyway, I'm thoroughly impressed with how Meredith has taken an e-mail loop and made the characters so vivid and real that I want to join the loop myself. Though the story ends with Christmas, it covers over half the year so you can read it at any time and still enjoy it. Honestly!

I SO love the classic Christian snobbery exhibited by Rosalyn, the loop moderator and topic of the week coordinator. We all know someone like Ros, don't we? And the struggles with parenting and job-related issues were so realistic and well-portrayed that I was sucked right in. I've had many infertile friends and the pain is so real. These gals on the SAHM I Am loop are the real deal. Even their e-mail names made me snicker. That Veronica, she just tells it like it is. Sometimes we need that. And her metaphor about the cake...I almost wet my pants over that one. You have to read it to know what I mean!

I just can't say enough about how hilarious, yet deeply spiritual this book was. Some of the scenes with the kiddos just made me want to cackle like a nut case. And how many of us take on so many projects and causes that we neglect our first love? Enough said. I think even my son would love this story. The lessons within its pages shoot straight to the heart. Fabulous book. Now go out and get one before they are all gone!

@ Home for the Holidays was published by Steeple Hill and released on November 1, 2006

Okay, so they messed with things and didn't tell me!

MSN went to web-based mail and now I have it working. Sheesh, why didn't they just say that somewhere instead of making me crazy trying to get the old system to work. It wasn't until I tried to use my old MSN CD rom that I found out the bugger was outdated. Okay, I'm cool now. Off to see Happy Feet with my teenage son and his pack of friends (two are girls) for his 15th birthday. GAH! He's almost old enough to leave home. I'm SO in denial. :) BTW, @ Home for the Holidays by Meredith Efken is SO hilarious! ) I would've read it straight through except I was distracted by computer woes, a nasty cold, and a full-time job. I'm okay now.) I must tell you...it's better than the previous book, and I thought that one was perfect. It's a must-read for all loopy folks like us. Trust me, it'll be a favorite of yours if you try it!

Computer woes and other troubles...

Sometimes computer issues make me want to scream. I mean, I've been using them for a zillion years and know an awful lot about stuff your average bean doesn't get, and I still have problems. For instance, I just bought a new tower and it was fast and everything ran great. Then I did updates and boom, trouble begins with my internet options. It wouldn't open. Come to find out, there is a bug in IE 7 and it was automatically downloaded as an update. It fried everything and I had to start over. Yep, delete it all and reinstall it. Then I decided to choose the option that would still leave your files intact. That worked, however, many of them didn't open, and if they did open the didn't work right so I had to reinstall them again anyway. The worst part is when the computer swears that you have something still installed and you don't or worse, it tells you the defective program you have is working fine when it isn't. Grr....I'm having trouble with MSN right now, but I refuse to change my e-mail addy so they better know how to fix it without me having to delete the whole drive and start over again. Come on, people! I've had enough of this now! Anyway, there is no uninstall command or executable file for MSN anywhere on my hard drive so I can't uninstall it and reinstall. I want to pull my hair out now!!!